FOREIGN LANGUAGE FESTIVAL MATERIALS

These materials have been employed successfully in years gone by and now the internet and CDs have made possible their resurrection in new formats. The intent is to make them available free of charge or--for CD recordings--at cost (including shipping). This presents a problem with respect to test integrity. Two considerations:

1. The purpose of Foreign Language Fairs or Festivals is basically to promote interest in foreign language learning and to reward learners for their achievements. A larger goal, however, is to encourage foreign language study everywhere, by persons of every age and background. Therefore, the materials could be made freely available for downloading to all interested individuals.

2. Foreign Language Festivals ordinarily bring together students from schools in one of more districts. Their courses of study may be very diverse, based on different texts and approaches. Therefore, it might be well to employ materials that are new to everyone. Several days could be employed before the festival to drill the students in these very materials, placing all on a more equal basis. Then the problem arises that some students may attempt to cheat, copying down answers on "ponies" or on their arm, etc. Participants should be placed on their honor not to cheat, pointing out to them that any awards so earned are hollow and worthless. Your input, as teachers, is invited. Please e-mail your suggestions to info@nuspel.org. All foreign language professionals involved are invited to improve these materials, add to them, use them as a source of ideas, etc. "Plagiarism" will not be an issue as far as Wendell Hall (main author and webslave) and Great Adventure 2000 are concerned.

The Aural Comprehension and Culture Tests in French, German, and Spanish* will be made available immediately, inasmuch as only multiple-choice alternatives are given over the internet. The actual questions or problems are vocal recordings (with music and sound effects, at times) and therefore accessible only on CDs. To preserve the security of the Reading, Writing, and Speaking tests, the best solution appears to be the same: Make them available on CDs with the tests, answer sheets, and the solutions to all problems from which unlimited copies may be printed out. (Other answer sheets, permitting speedy scoring and printing out of results could, of course, be employed.) Where only one level (basic) is available, intermediate and advanced students are expected to score higher and certificates, etc. may be awarded accordingly. To obtain the CDs, fax purchase orders from schools and other institutions to 801-435- 4429. Cost for each CD, $5.00 (includes shipping and handling within U.S.A.). Orders may also be placed by e-mail or snail mail. Send checks and/or orders to 975 E. Main Canyon Rd., Wallsburg, UT 84082. The correct answers, for scoring, will be available only when requested by institutions or individuals presenting proper credentials.

*Note: The rectangles on the cover of each test allow sponsoring institutions to place logos, etc. Adobe's Acrobat Reader is required to view complete tests and samples. If you don't have it, click here for a free download.